a central portion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a central portion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the main or most important part of something, often in a physical or abstract context. Example: "The central portion of the painting captures the viewer's attention with its vibrant colors and intricate details."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

"But this one is a fat piece of land with a central portion untouched by trails.

The New York Times

"We probably heard the most support for the Libeskind proposal because there was a sense that the memorial is such a central portion of the redevelopment," Ms. Leicht said.

The New York Times

A central portion of the village area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places because of the high percentage of landmark-quality buildings dating back to the port's most prosperous era.

The New York Times

In the government's view, the "browser war" that pitted Microsoft against the Netscape Communications Corporation, an Internet pioneer now part of America Online, is a central portion of the case yet one episode among many.

The New York Times

The question was whether a central portion of the Voting Rights Act is constitutional, and as the argument progressed, it appeared quite likely that the answer from Chief Justice Roberts and his conservative allies might well be "no".

The New York Times

Like many conifers, the pollen of Cordaites had a central portion surrounded by a bladder, and this arrangement may have helped to make the large grain buoyant in air.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

Triangular shape corresponds to a consolidation with an apex in a more central portion of the lung than the broad base.

Insights into Imaging

The architecture of the reconstruction can be described as "saddle-shaped", with a flat central portion and a pronounced ridge.

Plosone

On February 8 , 1802 Willard patented an eight-day pendulum clock housed in a case having a round top portion bearing the dial, an elongated central portion, and a rectangular base.

Encyclopedia Britannica

b The corticomedullary phase of the axial contrast-enhanced (CE) computed tomography (CT) demonstrates an intensely enhancing mass with a small central portion of low attenuation (arrow).

Insights into Imaging

Samples were obtained by taking biopsies of the fresh specimen from a nonnecrotic central portion of the tumour and from a peripheral part of the macroscopically normal colonic epithelium (n=18 pairs).

British Journal of Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a central portion", ensure it's clear what the 'whole' is that the portion belongs to. For example, "a central portion of the city" is more effective if the city has already been mentioned.

Common error

Avoid using "a central portion" without specific context. Instead of saying "the design focused on a central portion", specify what aspect was central, such as "the design focused on a central portion of the interface".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a central portion" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. It identifies a specific area or section that is located in the middle or core of something, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

29%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a central portion" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that identifies a key or middle section of something. As Ludwig AI indicates, it appears across a variety of contexts, including science, news media, and encyclopedias. When using "a central portion", it's important to provide clear context so the reader understands what 'whole' the portion belongs to. Alternatives include "a key segment" or "a main section", depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a key segment

This alternative replaces "portion" with "segment", suggesting a division or section that is important.

a main section

Replaces "central portion" with "main section", emphasizing the importance of the section.

a focal point

Shifts the focus to the element that attracts the most attention or is of greatest importance.

a core element

Highlights the fundamental and indispensable nature of the element.

a primary component

Focuses on the idea of something being a basic or essential building block.

a significant piece

This alternative emphasizes the importance and size of the part.

a vital segment

Indicates a segment that is essential for the functioning of the whole.

an integral part

Highlights that the part is necessary to complete the whole.

the heart of

Uses a metaphor to describe the most important or essential part.

the crux of the matter

Focuses on the most important point or decisive element.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a central portion" in a sentence?

To effectively use "a central portion", ensure that the context clearly identifies the larger entity it is part of. For example, instead of a vague statement, specify "a central portion of the city" or "a central portion of the argument".

What are some alternatives to using "a central portion"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a key segment", "a main section", or "a focal point".

When is it appropriate to use "a central portion" instead of "the main part"?

"A central portion" is suitable when emphasizing the location or physical centrality of something. "The main part" is more general and appropriate when discussing importance or significance, regardless of location.

Is there a difference between "a central portion" and "an essential part"?

"A central portion" typically refers to a physical area or section that is in the middle or core. "An essential part", on the other hand, highlights the necessity or importance of something, regardless of its position or location. The phrase "an integral part" is close in meaning.